After sixteen years in the United States House of Representatives, Senator Bernie Sanders was elected to the United States Senate in 2006 as an Independent. He is the longest serving Independent member of Congress in US history and the first self described Socialist. Sanders' stated mission is to shrink the income gap of the United States by helping to bolster the middle class. His other top priorities include reversing global warming, universal health care for all Americans, fair trade policies, supporting veterans and preserving family farms. Sanders opposed the war in Iraq. He has continued to advocate bringing American troops home. He currently serves on the Committee on Environment and Public Works, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Committee on Veterans' Affairs and Committee on the Budget. Sanders is married to Jane O'Meara and has one son, Levi Sanders.